When many think of exercise, the first thing that comes to mind is physical fitness. However, the benefits of such activities extend beyond muscle tone or cardiovascular health. There is a mental component.
The ‘runner’s high’ isn’t just a myth. It’s a documented sensation many runners report after prolonged aerobic exercise. The body releases endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin, often dubbed the ‘happiness chemical’. This serotonin surge can lead to euphoria, calmness, and decreased sense of pain.
While the ‘runner’s high’ is beneficial, the advantages of aerobic activity on mental health are not limited to post-exercise feelings of happiness and calmness. Kelly McGonigal’s 2019 offers an evolutionary perspective on the relationship between activity and survival. Historically, our ancestors who were more active likely had advantages in hunting, gathering, and escaping predators. From an evolutionary standpoint, this activity might have been integral in ensuring survival and passing on genes. It stands to reason that the mental benefits of aerobic exercise could have evolved as an incentive to keep our ancestors moving.
Heinrich’s reference to a 2002 study offers a tangible, biological testament to the cognitive benefits of aerobic activity. In this study mice that engaged in daily running developed more brain cells and enhanced cognitive abilities, learning tasks much faster than their sedentary counterparts. This neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus – an area associated with learning and memory – provides insight into the link between exercise and brain health.
Whilst Chekroud et al 2018 study of more than a million people found a correlation between a higher frequency of regular physical exercises and fewer days of poor mental health, it’s essential to note physical exercise is not a stand-alone cure or treatment. It’s a supplementary support tool. Mental health is multifaceted, requiring a holistic approach. Professional therapy, medication, social support, and lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, all promote greater mental well-being.
This World Mental Health Day, as we reflect on the myriad ways to support mental well-being, let’s not forget the power of putting on a pair of running shoes and hitting the pavement, it’s something we can encourage in each other at work and home. The relationship between our physical bodies and mental states is intertwined; by nurturing one, we uplift the other. Whether running towards the ‘high’ or simply walking for well-being, every step is a stride towards a healthier mind and better quality of life.
